Key Facts
K.B. Pradeep, recently appointed as the Special Government Pleader for the Kerala Devaswom Board, submitted his resignation on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The move came after a political firestorm erupted over his appointment, with opposition parties alleging a conflict of interest due to his previous legal representation of Smart Creations, a firm implicated in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
Details of the Controversy
Opposition leaders criticized the state government for appointing Pradeep, claiming it was an attempt to shield the real culprits in the gold theft scandal. Smart Creations had been contracted for gold plating work at the Sabarimala temple, and gold was allegedly removed from the dwarapalaka idols, door frames, and other structures. The firm's CEO, Pankaj Bhandari, has been arrested in connection with the case.
In response, Pradeep stated, “I volunteered to quit as I didn’t want to embarrass the government in a non-issue.” He clarified that his earlier involvement was limited to a suo motu case initiated by the High Court, which has since been closed. He emphasized that as Special Government Pleader, he would have no role in the ongoing proceedings before the Division Bench or the Sessions Court in Kollam, where the SIT will present its final reports. “I won’t even get a chance to access any reports or findings of the SIT,” he added.
Government's Stand
State Devaswom Minister K. Muralidharan defended the initial appointment, stating it was made with good intentions given Pradeep's expertise as a criminal lawyer. However, he acknowledged that the government had second thoughts after apprehensions were raised from various quarters. “Several people expressed their concerns over the appointment of the lawyer. Hence, the government decided to seek his resignation,” Muralidharan told media.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
The resignation is seen as a damage-control measure by the Kerala government to avoid further political embarrassment. The Sabarimala gold theft case remains under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), with the trial set to proceed in the Sessions Court, Kollam. The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding temple affairs and the need for transparency in appointments involving ongoing criminal cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did K.B. Pradeep resign as Special Government Pleader?
He resigned voluntarily to avoid embarrassing the government after opposition parties raised concerns over his past representation of Smart Creations, a firm linked to the Sabarimala gold theft case.
What is the Sabarimala gold theft case?
The case involves alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple, including from idols and door frames, during gold plating work by Smart Creations. Its CEO Pankaj Bhandari was arrested.
Will K.B. Pradeep have any role in the ongoing trial?
No. The Special Government Pleader has no role in the case before the Division Bench or the Sessions Court; the SIT will present reports directly to the court, and state prosecutors will handle the trial.